Spring is sprung, the grass is riz. I wonder where the Easter eggs is?
Spring has gloriously arrived in London, birds are singing and early blooming flowers are a feast for eyes starved by winter gloom.
At this time of year, I always think of this verse:
It’s a wonderful piece that can be played with, as I have done for the title of this blog entry. No one knows who wrote it, and it's listed as “Author anonymous.” Some claim a 19th century origin while others attribute it to Ogden Nash. It was a favourite of Spike Milligan and the version by Groucho Marx has led some to claim a Bronx poet as the author. Interestingly the use of RIZ, but spelled RYS, instead of risen (Rises, rising, rose, risen) is first recorded in 1494 and is another example of the way old word forms continue in American English after disappearing in British English
Personally, I wonder if it influenced the song, “Is you is or is you aint my baby,” written and performed by Louis Jordanin in 1944. I recently listened to a recording of the original and was surprised by the pedestrian tempo – not jazz in my humble opinion. I first heard it watching Tom & Jerry’s 1946 “Solid Serenade” episode in which it’s sung by Ira "Buck" Woods. I think Tom's performance is a classic and Ira's version great jazz.
It will be Easter next week and time for Easter egg hunts and Simnel cake. The cake is medieval in origin and is baked with a layer of marzipan and a toasted marzipan top. The Victorians added twelve marzipan balls to symbolize Jesus and the eleven (minus Judas) apostles.
This year the Easter egg hunts have been spoiled by Cadbury's (A chocolate manufacturer now owned by Kraft) decision to remove the word “Easter.” The original Cadbury was a Quaker and would be horrified. I just don't understand this PC stuff. The Barbican centre (a large concert venue) in London just announced they have “Gender” neutral toilets. You can choose between “Urinals” and “Cubicles,” Ladies and Gentlemen or Women and Men no longer exist. I recall that my sister, aged about three, claimed she could pee standing up just like a boy – I hope the PC patrols are ready for any grown up pranksters or desperate ladies.
My wife is from Central Asia and most folk think she's Chinese. Years ago I was asked if the difference between us, was a problem. “No,” I replied, “we are heterosexual and the fact that she's a woman and I'm a man is essential.” OK, I know that the question was not about that, but I try to be polite even to stupid people. However, I'm getting worried – can I still say “Heterosexual?”
April first brought back happy “All Fools Day” memories. We played the most terrible pranks on my father, one year nailing his shoes to the floor and another putting de Witt’s kidney and bladder pills in his tea (they turned urine green or blue). Much nicer tricks were upturned empty egg shells. He was a tremendous sport and always took it with a smile. We played the egg joke most years and he always feigned surprise that they were empty, much to our delight. My Mother was a more difficult target and things like “Teacher hurt herself yesterday and they've cancelled school,” never worked.
I recall my first Easter egg. I was about four and my father made us each an egg a bit bigger than golf ball. I think he made them from sugar, cocoa powder and butter. What a treat! Being a slightly odd child I wanted to make mine last for some days and separated it into a number of small eggs that I formed by rolling them on my bedroom wall.
Happy Easter.
At this time of year, I always think of this verse:
Spring is sprung, the grass is riz.
I wonder where the birdies is.
They say the birdies on the wing, but that's absurd.
I always thought the wing was on the bird.
It’s a wonderful piece that can be played with, as I have done for the title of this blog entry. No one knows who wrote it, and it's listed as “Author anonymous.” Some claim a 19th century origin while others attribute it to Ogden Nash. It was a favourite of Spike Milligan and the version by Groucho Marx has led some to claim a Bronx poet as the author. Interestingly the use of RIZ, but spelled RYS, instead of risen (Rises, rising, rose, risen) is first recorded in 1494 and is another example of the way old word forms continue in American English after disappearing in British English
Personally, I wonder if it influenced the song, “Is you is or is you aint my baby,” written and performed by Louis Jordanin in 1944. I recently listened to a recording of the original and was surprised by the pedestrian tempo – not jazz in my humble opinion. I first heard it watching Tom & Jerry’s 1946 “Solid Serenade” episode in which it’s sung by Ira "Buck" Woods. I think Tom's performance is a classic and Ira's version great jazz.
It will be Easter next week and time for Easter egg hunts and Simnel cake. The cake is medieval in origin and is baked with a layer of marzipan and a toasted marzipan top. The Victorians added twelve marzipan balls to symbolize Jesus and the eleven (minus Judas) apostles.
This year the Easter egg hunts have been spoiled by Cadbury's (A chocolate manufacturer now owned by Kraft) decision to remove the word “Easter.” The original Cadbury was a Quaker and would be horrified. I just don't understand this PC stuff. The Barbican centre (a large concert venue) in London just announced they have “Gender” neutral toilets. You can choose between “Urinals” and “Cubicles,” Ladies and Gentlemen or Women and Men no longer exist. I recall that my sister, aged about three, claimed she could pee standing up just like a boy – I hope the PC patrols are ready for any grown up pranksters or desperate ladies.
My wife is from Central Asia and most folk think she's Chinese. Years ago I was asked if the difference between us, was a problem. “No,” I replied, “we are heterosexual and the fact that she's a woman and I'm a man is essential.” OK, I know that the question was not about that, but I try to be polite even to stupid people. However, I'm getting worried – can I still say “Heterosexual?”
April first brought back happy “All Fools Day” memories. We played the most terrible pranks on my father, one year nailing his shoes to the floor and another putting de Witt’s kidney and bladder pills in his tea (they turned urine green or blue). Much nicer tricks were upturned empty egg shells. He was a tremendous sport and always took it with a smile. We played the egg joke most years and he always feigned surprise that they were empty, much to our delight. My Mother was a more difficult target and things like “Teacher hurt herself yesterday and they've cancelled school,” never worked.
I recall my first Easter egg. I was about four and my father made us each an egg a bit bigger than golf ball. I think he made them from sugar, cocoa powder and butter. What a treat! Being a slightly odd child I wanted to make mine last for some days and separated it into a number of small eggs that I formed by rolling them on my bedroom wall.
Happy Easter.
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. . was stolen by the authoritarian Roman Catholics, as was Xmas, as they ruthlessly slaughtered the older religions and their adherents.Having done that, they then turned on each other with ''witch'' trials and the Inquisition.
a good dose of ''liberalizm'' is what the whole of Xtianity needs to unloose its stranglehold on the poor, women and the dispossessed.
Dear Mr. Wood, I’ve just read your blog entry of April 6, 2017, led there by a search on the “spring is sprung” poem. I may have misunderstood but I’m wondering how that poem (or was it the word “ris/rys”?) might have influenced the song “Is you is or is you ain’t my baby”? I simply don’t see any connection and I’m baffled. If you’d have a moment to elaborate, I’d be grateful. Thank you and Happy Easter! Sincerely, Barbara W.
I think Cadbury is making a mistake, but as long as liberal is all people are, we will be nothing more than a memory of past traditions that were once held near and dear.